July 20, 200422 yr Down On The FarmI don't know if this has been posted or not, but here it is: Dan S. writes: What can you tell me about Josh Willingham of the Marlins? I know that at 25, he's old for Double-A, but at last check he was leading the Southern League in walks, slugging percentage, and OPS, and is second in homers and OBP. I know he is somewhat new to the position, but with all the problems the Marlins are having behind the plate, I'm wondering why he hasn't been called up. Willingham was promoted to the Show a few days after Dan submitted his question. Let's take a look at his profile. The Marlins drafted him in the 17th round in 2000, out of the University of North Alabama. He hit .263 in short-season ball after signing, then hit .259 with seven homers and 24 steals in 2001 in the Midwest League. At this point he was a pretty marginal prospect. But he started to show power in '02, hitting .274 with 17 homers in the Florida State League. Injuries marred his 2003 season, but is healthy again this year. Before moving up to Florida, Willingham hit .282 with a .428 OBP and a .581 SLG for Double-A Carolina -- the best statistics of his career. At the plate, Willingham is not a guy who will hit for a high batting average, but he controls the strike zone well, draws lots of walks, and has good power. He also doesn't strike out much for a guy with a power bat. In the Show, he looks like a .250-.260 hitter, albeit with some good power production and plenty of walks. His defense behind the plate can be shaky at times. He entered pro ball as a corner infielder, but was blocked positionally at first and third, so the Marlins moved him behind the plate. He works well with pitchers, and shows good leadership skills. But his release to second base is rather slow, and he isn't adept at throwing out runners. Still, given his potent bat, his defense is acceptable. His main weakness as a prospect is his age. He may not get much better than he already is. But that's pretty good, and he should have a solid career.
July 20, 200422 yr .250-.260 projection? I wonder what made them think that... His D is very shaky. And it is only for his bat that he is with this team - but you have to play him behind the plate or basically loose any value he has to this team. Damn CASTRO!!!
July 20, 200422 yr Personally, I'd rather have him behind the plate than in left field, because for all his difficulty catching, he still is more productive than Redmond or Treanor.
July 20, 200422 yr Personally, I'd rather have him behind the plate than in left field, because for all his difficulty catching, he still is more productive than Redmond or Treanor. 466402[/snapback] :thumbup
July 20, 200422 yr .250 .260 seems kinda low 466458[/snapback] but that would be with OBP around .380 I would think I see him more of a .280 hitter but Im a fanboy :thumbup
July 20, 200422 yr i like what i see of him at the plate but behind the plate, his d is awful. but we have no choice and have to put him back there
July 20, 200422 yr I mean, you guys say his D is awful... to me, it looked like he was crossed up by DTrain, besides that has he really messed up? oh and Reyes stealing 2nd and 3rd is Willis' fault too, no chance for Josh to throw him out
July 20, 200422 yr He's a rookie, and I can forgive a few rookie mistakes. He said that, every now and then, one of Dontrelle?s fastballs will cut and take off and that what happened last night on the passed ball. It apparently doesn?t happen on all of DW's fastballs, and it caught him off guard. It's a little easier for me to overlook because the team bailed him out and won the game yesterday. One poster commented that he had the 'deer in the headlights' look last night, and I would have to agree. I think in time he will settle down and be a big part of the team's success. I look for his defense to improve as he adjusts to the pitchers and as he adjusts to being in ?The League.? He still has a great swing, and I get excited every time he steps to the plate.
July 20, 200422 yr All that really matters on the defensive end is if our pitchers feel comfortable pitching to him. The only thing Redmond/Treanor have on him are they block the plate well. I'll take a few passed balls for some hits.
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